According to Lianhe Zaobao citing Reuters, a dangerous heat wave across the central and eastern United States has disrupted preparations for events marking the country’s 250th anniversary, forcing Washington, D.C., and other areas to cancel or postpone dozens of parades, concerts, and fireworks shows. The heat affected the 16-day “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall, which opened last week as a key event planned by President Donald Trump for the anniversary; organizers temporarily closed it on Friday, July 3, after temperatures rose to 38°C, and said it would reopen after adding cooling tents and misting stations. The National Weather Service said more than 185 million people were under heat alerts on Friday—over half the U.S. population—with heat index readings in some areas reaching as high as 46°C.